The Practical Mariner Project continues to explore how ancient Mediterranean sailors navigated, traded, and sustained their journeys. This second report highlights major research developments, fieldwork preparations, and future plans as the project moves into its next phase. Understanding Life at Sea: Materials and Resources A key focus has been the practical realities of keeping ships operational. Research into sailcloth and rope production reveals just how labour-intensive

In 2024, a major research project began at the British Museum with a simple but fascinating goal: to better understand the animal mummies of ancient Egypt. Backed by a Augmentum grant, this two-and-a-half-year initiative brings together scientists, conservators, and curators to study how and why animals were mummified—and what these practices reveal about ancient Egyptian life. Now in its second year (2025–2026), the project is beginning to uncover remarkable insights. Peeri

Augmentum continues its long-term support of Tavolino Magico by donating a new refrigerated van, named  Chicco II . This new vehicle is more than just a van, it is a real tool of solidarity. With its arrival, Tavolino Magico’s fleet grows to six vans, creating six concrete opportunities to turn rescued food into hope. Every day, thanks to the support of donors and partners, Tavolino Magico carries out its mission of fighting food waste and supporting people in need. In 2025

At Augmentum , we believe that protecting our planet’s biodiversity requires a global approach. This year, we are proud to announce our partnership with the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) to support two flagship projects: ‘Jorobadas del Caribe’ and ‘Calypso’. Together, we are working to fill critical data gaps and harmonise conservation efforts across one of the world’s most complex marine environments. The Caribbean: A Beautiful but Fragile Frontier Whales, dolphins, and

In 2025, the Velebit Mountains of Croatia took decisive steps toward becoming one of Europe’s most connected and resilient rewilding landscapes. Thanks to the partnership between Augmentum and Rewilding Europe , this year marked real progress on the ground bringing wildlife back, restoring natural processes, and strengthening the bond between nature and local communities . Restoring Wildlife and Natural Balance A major focus of the year was rebuilding trophic chains —the natu

Augmentum started a new collaboration with Welcomed , the brand name of Medici in Famiglia clinics, the first center in Milan specialising in medicine, rehabilitation, psychology, and family services, with a dedicated team focused on child and adolescent development. It provides a welcoming, home-like space where families can access multiple medical specialists and a multidisciplinary health team working together to offer comprehensive care. The three centers follows an inno

In 2025, Augmentum significantly expanded its commitment to cultural heritage, environmental restoration, and community wellbeing. With total donations reaching over CHF 2.0 million, a 77% increase from the previous year, the organisation reaffirmed its mission to protect the past, sustain the planet, and support vulnerable communities. Preserving Culture: Safeguarding Stories of the Past The Practical Mariner Project – Oxford University Now in its second year, this innovati

Mummy being x-rayed at the British Museum In 2024, the British Museum launched  Divine Creatures , a major research initiative supported by an Augmentum grant. This two-and-a-half-year project is the first comprehensive study of the Museum’s large collection of ancient Egyptian animal mummies. The following summary outlines the project’s progress during its first year. A dedicated team of curatorial, scientific, and conservation specialists was assembled to lead the programm

By the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) — Supported by Augmentum NOC scientists during sampling operation The Arctic is changing faster than almost anywhere else on Earth. Glaciers are melting, fjords are reshaping, and new flows of nutrients are transforming marine ecosystems. Over the past six months, the  National Oceanography Centre (NOC)  team has been working to understand how carbon moves through this fragile environment — and what that means for life in Greenland’s

X-ray CT scan of Lewis chess piece king, revealing the internal walrus ivory dentine structures. In May 2024, the British Museum launched an ambitious project to unlock the secrets of the famous Lewis chess pieces, thanks to a generous grant from Augmentum. This year-long effort has brought together experts in conservation, science, and curation to explore the origins, craftsmanship, and journeys of these medieval treasures, which have fascinated historians and the public ali

Researchers from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have embarked on a pioneering scientific mission in the fjords of...

In 2024, Augmentum and Rewilding Europe continued their three-year collaboration to restore and protect the Velebit Mountains in...

The Oxford's Practical Mariner project, funded by Augmentum, has successfully completed its first year, generating significant interest and collaboration within the academic community. Key activities during the initial five months included hiring postdoctoral researchers, acquiring necessary equipment, and promoting the project at the European Association of Archaeologists conference in Rome. Additionally, a research collaboration was established with the Centre for Maritime

ORCA is a marine conservation charity founded in 2001, dedicated to the long-term study and protection of whales, dolphins, and...

Augmentum’s 2026 Research Initiative aboard MY AKULA Augmentum , a private philanthropic initiative committed to supporting game-changing projects that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen our connection to nature and cultural heritage, is pleased to announce a special landmark opportunity. We are now welcoming proposals for innovative research initiatives to be undertaken aboard our luxury expedition vessel, MY AKULA , during the 2026 field season in the Caribb

Arctic Carbon Project Augmentum  is proud to announce a generous contribution to support the National Oceanography Centre’s (NOC) Arctic...

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project invites government, university, and private vessels to contribute depth measurements...

The British Museum grant funds a groundbreaking three-year project (2024-2027) aimed at conducting the first comprehensive study of the...

The British Museum grant  supports a transformative two-and-a-half-year project dedicated to the systematic study of animal mummies...

This research project seeks to explore maritime trade routes between 1750-500 BCE from the perspective of sailors, rather than...